Air Seychelles continues to provide employment opportunities for students at Seychelles Tourism Academy

Air Seychelles today extended a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) that outlines areas of cooperation for the development of human resources, including the provision of employment and on-the-job training for students at the academy.

The MoU was signed at the Seychelles Tourism Academy campus at La Misère by Roy Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles and Flavien Joubert, Principal of the Seychelles Tourism Academy.

It is designed to support young Seychellois nationals in developing a career in the aviation industry through training programs at the Seychelles Tourism Academy led by Air Seychelles experts, as well as vocational placements and internships in specific airline departments.

Students who complete the training programs, which are specifically focused on service-related positions such as guest check-in agents at the Seychelles International Airport, will be considered for full-time positions after graduating from the academy.

Mr Kinnear said: “Air Seychelles is committed to developing a talented workforce of Seychellois nationals in the field of aviation, and as part of this we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Academy.

"It is clear that we have a natural synergy and a mutual focus on delivering the best service, to ensure our guests experience the highest levels of hospitality, both in the air and on the ground.

“This shared focus has produced strong results since the partnership was first established in 2012. During the past three years, we have provided 22 internships to students, all of whom have gone on to join our growing airline.”

Mr Joubert said: “The Seychelles Tourism Academy is delighted to continue working closely with Air Seychelles to deliver quality training and work placement programs for students who want to enter the world of aviation.

“This collaboration ensures that the pool of skilled Seychellois that forms the backbone of the service, tourism and aviation industries, continues to grow and drive the development of the Seychelles economy.”

Also at the signing of the MoU were John Stravens, Chairperson of the STA, together with board members and senior management of Air Seychelles and STA, and current students and graduates who have completed internships with Air Seychelles, including Gabriella Nourice.

Ms Nourice, who is 19 and lives in the district of Anse Aux Pins, graduated from the Seychelles Tourism Academy in May 2015 and joined Air Seychelles as a Guest Service Agent following an internship with the airline.

Ms Nourice said: “The internship program was a really great experience that opened the door for me to start my career in aviation. I remember vividly how excited I was when I had to go to the airport for my first night shift as part of my practical training. It made me realise how much I enjoy interacting with and assisting guests at the check-in, and how exciting and dynamic it is to work for an airline.”

Air Seychelles currently employs 704 staff, of which 98 per cent are Seychellois.